Ice cube tray



FLYNN ICE CUBE TRAY Nov. 2, 1948.

Filed Oct. 12, 1.945

FIG. 2.

7 CHARLES AJ-LYNN,

Patented Nov. 2, 1948 ICE CUBE TRAY Charles A. Flynn, Phoebus, Va.

Application October 12, 1945, Serial No. 621,873

1 Claim.

This instant invention relates to refrigeration and more particularly to ice cube trays that are filled with water and then placed in a refrigerator for freezing.

The main object of the invention is the provision of an ice cube tray including means that will prevent the filling of an ice cube tra with water above a level where splashing occurs during the carrying of the filled tray from the water faucet to the refrigerator.

A further object of my invention is to provide a means for indicating to the user when an ice cube tray has been filled to the desired depth and to prevent the filling of the tray above such desired depth.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a tray of the class characterized and of simple, durable and economical construction.

With these objects in view the invention resides in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter specifically described and claimed in the appended claim.

The description should be read in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of an end fragment of such embodiment;

Figure 3 is a similar view with the side wall partly broken away;

Figure 4 is a View of a fragment of the wall of a tray incorporating a modified form of my invention;

Figure 5 is a similar view of the modified form as applied during transportation of the tray to the refrigerator.

In the drawing in which like characters of reference designate like or similar parts throughout the several views, 2 denotes generally a conventional ice cube tray which includes slightl downwardly converging longitudinal sides 3, similar transverse walls 4, a bottom 5, a downwardly and outwardly extending flange 6 attached to the upper edge of one or both of the transverse walls. Such a tray is divided into a plurality of chambers formed by a central longitudinal partition I and a plurality of transverse partitions 8. The tray is usually filled with water from a faucet above the sink and then carried to the refrigerator to be enclosed therein for freezing. This transportation is usually a somewhat difficult task owing to the inability of the person carrying the tray to hold the same level and without swaying. The swaying motion of the tray causes the water to splash over the upper edges of the tray walls on the kitchen fioor or on the shelves of the refrigerator where the water moistens articles that should stay dry or freezes to the dismay of the housewife. The splashing of Water over the upper edges of the tray may be prevented by filling the same only to a level at which no splashing will occur. The average person filling an ice cube tray can hardly be expected to know the exact level at which no splashing will occur and markings of such level are quickly obliterated during the removal of the cubes.

My invention consists in so constructing the tray that its chambers from which most of the splashing water comes cannot be filled above the no-splashing level. A hole H! of any desired shape or size is therefore provided in either of the longitudinal side walls and near a corner usually clasped by one hand of the person carrying the tray. The hole is therefore so situated that it can be closed by the thumb or a finger of the person carrying the tray so that splashing through the hole is prevented.

In a modified form of my invention illustrated in Figures 4, 5 the location of the hole is not as restricted as in the preferred embodiment of Figures 1*3. It is sufficient that the hole be in a vertical wall and above the no-splash level. Since the hole or holes are outside the reach of the hand of the person carrying the tray, a closing disc I2 is provided and pivoted on a pin l3 extending at right angles to the tray wall.

During the filling of the tray with water the hole is left open to make sure that the tray is not filled above the no-splash level. Then the hole is closed by the disc and the tray may be carried to the refrigerator without splashing.

While I have illustrated a closing disc for closing the openings or holes, it will be understood that any desired well known form of closure, such as a sliding member, conventional plug Of rubber, cork or the like or any other conventional means may be utilized for closing the holes or openings.

It is to be further understood that the forms of my invention are to be taken as examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and location may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention, or the scope of the subjoined claim.

What I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

An ice cube tray including a substantially vertical well having an aperture therein to limit the level of the contained liquid, and a door pivoted to the wall on an axis at right angles thereto for closing the opening.

CHARLES A. FLYNN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

, l-Ienning June 24, 1941 

